Draven McCall is Week 1’s Reader’s Choice Wrestler of the Week

BY BRANT PARSONS — With the score tied at 2-2, two defending state champions entered the final period of the 150-pound championship bout at the Ben Richard Memorial in Week 1.

Tampa Jesuit’s Draven McCall had entered the weekend as the second seed while Clearwater Central Catholic’s two-time state champion Gavin Nolan was at the top of the bracket.

With three state titles between the two of them, McCall earned an escape in the begging of the period and then sealed the win with a takedown with 45 seconds left.

Along with winning the Ben Richards Memorial, McCall also earned the honor of being the Reader’s Choice Wrestler of the Week.

"Draven is a humble warrior who shows up everyday with a great attitude who gives maximum effort," Jesuit assistant coach David Mason said. "He is inquisitive and is always trying to improve his craft. Just that in itself motivates me to be a better coach."

See Kabra Wrestling’s Wrestlers of the Week Team for Week 1

The other worthy nominees this week were Max Brady (Mariner), Kaleb Gabrielsen (Heritage), Gunner Holland (Kissimmee Osceola), Guillermo Jaramillo (South Dade), David Mercado (North Bay Haven), and Willie White (Southwest Miami).